Aquariums are display tanks used for keeping fish and other aquatic life in an artificially controlled environment, mainly for display purposes. Initially aquariums could be seen only in zoos. Today aquariums can be found in several homes, shopping malls and places of public interest. According to a rough estimate there are about 60 million people who share a passion for aquariums across the world.

The first aquariums were made of glass, the common designs being the box shaped rectangular aquarium or the round fish bowl. These have today been replaced by trendier designs. If you were to buy an aquarium, you could choose from the various models of freshwater aquariums or salt water aquariums. Most people prefer fresh water aquariums because they are easier to maintain. But they don’t mind salt water aquariums now because the new sophisticated filters make it easier to maintain a stable salt water environment.

Aquariums typically consist of an intake, a mechanical filtration system, a biological filtration system, a chemical filtration system and an outflow. The filtration systems are a must for the aquariums because they help in removing the nitrogenous, phosphate and particulate waste matter that can otherwise kill fish and other aquatic inhabitants. Most of the modern aquariums today have air pumps that maintain the oxygen balance. They are especially useful in running small and overcrowded aquariums or aquariums with greater plant population. Thermostats can also be used to maintain the temperature. Often motors are used to increase the water circulation in aquariums.

The size of the aquarium can vary from 10 gallons to 60 gallons. Based on the size you can decide the number of fish you want to keep. But you must make sure that there is no overcrowding. Similarly, there is no harm is using tap water in aquariums kept at home. But certain salts and minerals should be added from time to time if you want to keep salt water aquariums.

These are the basics………………………